New Orleans Saints bracing for tough challenge ahead in upcoming season

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When New Orleans Saints players returned this past week for the start of their offseason conditioning program, they couldn't help but notice the major construction being done to the team's office buildings.

How fitting.

"It was kind of symbolic of what the Saints' organization is going through. We're under reconstruction," said fullback Jed Collins, one of several players who also noted that the atmosphere inside the practice facility was "a little different."

How could it not be?

Coach Sean Payton is gone, having started his season-long suspension last Monday. Quarterback Drew Brees is staying away until his contract is resolved. Longtime teammates Carl Nicks, Tracy Porter and Robert Meachem are playing for new teams.

And the bounty scandal that has engulfed the Saints for months is lingering in the back of everyone's minds, if not the front.

However, as players started to file in and fill the room for their first team meeting last Monday, Collins said, "Excitement levels started to rise, and then we went ahead with business as usual."

Lofton, who joined the Saints as a free agent last month from the Atlanta Falcons, also spun positive.

"Everyone else seems to have such a negative view of the Saints, and that's awesome, because it just brings us together," said Lofton, who said he was very impressed by the attitude of his new teammates, describing them as "a big family."

After his first week with his new team, Lofton sent out a message on his Twiiter account that read: "1 week of workouts in! Contrary to everyone's belief there is a great bunch of guys on this team! #saints #whodat"

I like this guy! Making our team stronger, all while hurting the falcons! :bng:

Rugby Saint II

04-23-2012 03:40 PM

Our team mentality is definitely unique to New Orleans. It's us against the world.....just the way I like it.

NOLA54

04-24-2012 09:40 PM

Solid in the locker room, solid on the field, solid in resolve & solid in our hearts.